City Opens Annual Santa Cruz Recycles! Poster Contest

The City of Santa Cruz Public Works Department is accepting entries for the annual Santa Cruz Recycles! Poster Contest through October 2, 2026. 

The contest invites K–12 students in the City of Santa Cruz to create original artwork around the theme Santa Cruz Recycles! Posters should clearly highlight the importance of recycling in the community and give students an opportunity to creatively express their understanding of recycling, waste reduction and litter prevention. 

Winning artwork will be enlarged and displayed on the sides of City refuse and recycling trucks. Winners will also receive a prize pack and award certificate and will be invited to the City Corporation Yard to see their artwork displayed on a truck and take photos. 

The contest is open to students attending public, charter and private schools in the City of Santa Cruz, including homeschooled and independent study students. 

Posters must feature original, two-dimensional student artwork and be submitted in a horizontal format that is twice as long as it is high. Drink bottles and aluminum cans should be included as part of the artwork. 

For complete contest requirements and the entry form, visit the School Recycling and Waste Reduction Program webpage. 

Questions may be directed to Janice Kelly at 831-420-5594 or jkelly@santacruzca.gov.

Entries must be postmarked or delivered by October 2, 2026, to: